Leadership makes space for fresh ideas from new voices at the Fresh United Methodism Summit
“We’ve had to go back to the basics … be who Jesus was: An organizer, someone who spoke truth to power, who said I’m going to be with the least of these.”Michael Hsu, a participant at the Summit On its final day, attendees at the Western Jurisdiction Fresh United...
Western Jurisdiction “Fresh United Methodism Summit” Affirms LGBTQ+ Support; Leaders See it as a ‘Movement Moment’ to Help Discern its Future in the Church
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 18) – More than 200 laypersons, clergy, and bishops gathered in Los Angeles, Calif., on Nov. 14-16 for the Western Jurisdiction’s Fresh United Methodism Summit to help prepare for the denomination’s 2020 General Conference and the ensuing...
A Report from the Western Jurisdiction Leadership Team
Western Jurisdiction ‘Fresh United Methodism Summit’ Affirms LGBTQ+ Support; Summit Seen as a ‘Movement Moment’ to Help Discern the Future of the Church And God promised: I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughterswill prophesy. Your young will...
WJ Fresh Day 2: A morning of inspiration, an afternoon of innovation
The second day of the Western Jurisdiction’s Fresh United Methodism Summit began with a resoundingly supportive reception of the bishops’ Safe Harbor Declaration. It continued with an innovation process aiming to help the group to uncover next steps.
The most viable proposals for strategic action in 2020
After a morning of discussions and posting sticky notes to the wall around four key areas where strategic action will be needed in this year, the following is a summation of the proposals moving forward: January 1 Safe Harbor Strategy – Protection at all levelsGet...
Theological statement leads first day of summit
A four-page Theological Declaration termed a “call to action” had everyone on their feet at the Western Jurisdiction Fresh United Methodism Summit in Torrance, California on Thursday, Nov. 14. Developed by a work group formed after the 2019 General Conference, the...
Theological Declaration Affirmed at the Western Jurisdiction Fresh UMC Summit
The following declaration was presented to the Western Jurisdiction Fresh United Methodism Summit on Thursday, November 14, 2019. It was received with enthusiasm by those in attendance. Theological Declaration of the Western Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church...
Western Jurisdiction contracts Gwen Bortner to serve as Project Manager through September
The Western Jurisdiction Mission Cabinet is pleased to announce that Gwen Bortner has been contracted as a project manager for the next 11 months. Serving in a part-time capacity, Bortner will collaborate with existing leaders to provide appropriate support and...
VIDEO: WJ Bishops declare Safe Harbor for LGBTQ+ clergy, candidates
In powerful testimonials, the active United Methodist bishops of the Western Jurisdiction explain why they have taken the bold step of pledging Safe Harbor for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Clergy and candidates, and for those officiating at same-sex weddings. #UMC4All To...
Safe Harbor Declaration
Western bishops lead with grace not persecution. Active United Methodist Bishops in the Western Jurisdiction announce their intention to set aside complaints against clergy accused of being gay or performing LGBTQ+ weddings, urge others to join them. #UMC4All